Media coverage of Doaba College, Jalandhar Punjab, Punjab

Hi tech studio for future journos

The mass communication students of Jalandhar-based Doaba College have got an ultra-modern hi-tech media studio and a media block.

The professional studio and the media block were inaugurated by Doaba College Management Committee president Chander Mohan.

Mohan said the studio would definitely help the students of print and electronic media in carving a niche for themselves in the ever growing media market. “The studio is equipped with the latest digital technology and state-of-the-art equipment like an ultra-modern audio mixer, 12 channel audio console, online editing facility, techno editing rooms, high efficiency cameras and editing tables. The studio would provide world class training facilities to the media students of the institution,” said Chander Mohan.

Doaba College principal Dr R.P. Bharadwaj said the studio was the first of its kind in North India. “The studio would not only cater to the needs of the students of the region but would also prove helpful for various private TV channels as these would be able to shoot their programmes at the place.”

Head of department of journalism Dr Ranbir Singh said the college had scaled new heights in media education in North India as it had already three degree-level mass communication courses and the masters’ in journalism. College management committee secretary Alok Sondhi and treasurer Rajinder Mayor lauded the efforts of the college administration in promoting media education in the northern part of the country.

Doaba College ragging ABVP protests

Over 100 members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) held a demonstration at Doaba College here today in protest against the alleged ragging of a student by NSUI workers on the campus some time back.

While principal R.P. Bhardwaj was away to Guru Nanak Dev University for some official work, teachers too had left the campus because of their ongoing strike under the banner of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) when the incident occurred. This led to much tension and policemen in large numbers had to be called in to check the occurrence of any untoward incident.

District president of the ABVP Rajan Angural said the protest was held in support of a student, Ajay Maratha, who was ragged by NSUI members. He said he and other members wanted action against the culprits. He said Maratha was a student of journalism, while the staff of the department said no student by that name was enrolled with them.

Bhardwajdenied occurrence of any such incident. He said outsiders had barged into the campus and created ruckus. He said he would be back in the college tomorrow and inquire into the matter.

Inter college fest concludes

.D. Arya College won the overall trophy in “Synergy-2006,” an inter-college academic and cultural meet organised by the Department of Commerce and Business Administration of Lyallpur Khalsa College, which concluded here today.

On the first day of the festival, students from 20 colleges across the region participated in various contests, including master mind quiz, hard-selling and motivational song. In quiz, Gaurav, Geetika and Nitesh from the host team won the first prize, followed by those from the Apeejay College of Fine Arts and SMDRSD College, Pathankot.

In hard-selling, the team from DAV College, Amritsar, stood first. Doaba College team was declared second, while those from the Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women won third prize. In motivational group song, the team from B.D. Arya College bagged the first prize, Lyallpur Khalsa College team was declared second and SMDRSD College, Pathankot, got the third prize.

The function was inaugurated by Mr Balbir Singh, former Member of Parliament and President of the Governing Council of the college. Dr Satish Kapoor, Principal, said an overall development of personality in students could only be brought about if they were given an opportunity to express their talent in academic and cultural spheres.

On the second and concluding day, various contests like skit, fancy dress and group dance were organised. In the skit competition, Guru Nanak College, Phagwara, won the first prize, while Hindu Kanya College, Kapurthala, stood second and APJ College, Jalandhar, bagged the third prize.

In fancy dress contest, Doaba College, Jalandhar, won the first prize, Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, won the second position, and SMDRSO College, Pathankot, stood third.

In group dance, Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, bagged the first prize, BD Arya College, Jalandhar, stood at the second position and KRM DAV College, Nakodar, was on the third position.

Recommendations to UGC

Following a two-day principals’ conference that concluded at Doaba College last evening, the Association of Indian College Principals has decided to send its 17-point resolutions and recommendations to the UGC, NAAC, state and Central government departments for restructuring of higher education.

Stating this in a press note, Dr R.P. Bhardwaj, coordinator of the conference, said that the foremost recommendation was that the principals must be given due representation in different bodies such as UGC, state and Central government for policy-making and other decisions affecting the colleges.

Alumni meet at Doaba College

A meeting of Doaba College Old Students’ Association was organised on the campus here on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by a host of old students, including Manoranjan Kalia, former Health Minister, Tejinder Bittu, Chairman Improvement Trust, Gurpreet Ghuggi and Chacha Raunqi Ram, both comedians.

On the occasion, the old students organised a farewell party for Mr Gulshan Kundra, Head of Political Science Department, who had retired after a long service. The teacher was presented the Dronacharya Award instituted by the association. He was also given a cash award of Rs 51,000. The association members said that they would give such awards to all retiring teachers from next year onwards. Hans Raj Hans, an old student of DAV College, was invited as a guest on the occasion.

Private investment in colleges creating imbalance

Over 100 college principals from across the country participated in a two-day conference on “Privatisation and higher education” organised at Doaba College that concluded here today.

Presenting his paper, Dr R.V. Hajirnis, Principal, MES College of Arts and Commerce, Goa, said that private investment in colleges was creating imbalance in higher education. He said that it was oriented towards courses of market demand such as IT or electronics engineering. He added that basic disciplines like physics, chemistry, mathematics, languages, philosophy and history were not being offered in private colleges due to ever-increasing marketisation of higher education.

Highlighting more demerits of privatisation of higher education, Dr P.S. Pawar, Principal, KKW College, Nasik, said that there was no coordination in quality, equality and quantity in private universities and colleges. Citing examples from Chhatisgarh, she said that most of the 112 private universities that had come up in the state were lagging behind in physical and academic set-up, forcing the Supreme Court to cancel the approval for 100 universities there.

But, she added, the opening of private colleges was fruitful for the developed and developing countries as it resulted in less liability for governments for doling out grants, more competition among educational institutes, adequate use of information technology, attraction to foreign education and more importance to student-oriented services.

Principal Veena Watni from R.R. Bawa DAV College of Girls, Batala, focused on the state of private aided colleges in Punjab. She said that as many as 150 colleges of the state were on the verge of closing down as government grants were getting reduced continuously. She said that while the colleges were getting 95 per cent grant earlier, the grants had been reduced to 72 per cent in 2003.

The principal said that the state was spending only 2.5 per cent of the GDP on private aided colleges as compared to 9 per cent in the developing country like Sri Lanka. She said that the Central government was also not doing very good as it was spending just 4.4 per cent of the GDP on higher education in the tenth plan.

More than a heartbeat of Doaba

“WE are proud to be Jalandhari,” feel a galaxy of achievers from the city. And indeed they have reason to feel so for Jalandhar is a colourful, vibrant and a progressive city that lies in the heartland of the Doaba region of Punjab. The people are full of life and enthusiasm and their undying spirit to win at any cost has not only exalted their status in their respective and different fields, but has also made Jalandhar known all over the world.

It is interesting and at times even somewhat difficult to imagine that despite their envious success stories, Jalandharis, or those who have had a long association with the city, have largely been down to earth people. And wherever they are today, they love Jalandhar in an extremely passionate manner.

For Mr Inder Kumar Gujral, the former Prime Minister of India, Jalandhar is still an “emotional home,” where he and his family had settled down after the partition of the country in 1947. It was here that his mother late Pushpa Gujral became a member of the then Municipal Committee of Jalandhar. “ I am proud to be a Jalandhari. Both of my sons were born here. It is a city which had given us a place to stay and which embraced us after we had been uprooted during Partition. It was the time when Jalandhar was a small city with bad roads and polluted environment. Nowadays, it is a modern city which has turned out to be a prominent education centre. It will grow further and will bear a scientific ambience with the completion of the Science City. My emotional attachment with Jalandhar is perennial.”

Mr. Gujral was behind the setting up of the Doordarshan Kendra and strengthening of the All India Radio transmitters during his tenure as the Information and Broadcasting Minister.
For playback singer Sukhwinder Singh of “Chal Chhaiyaan Chhaiyan” fame, Jalandhar is nothing less than a “Mecca.” It is from here that his career as a singer had taken off and it is the place where he had spent a couple of years for getting his training in classical music. “I think Jalandhar was behind my success as I had jumped headlong into music. I was given a break as a singer by the Doordarshan kendra here and its then producer Harjit Singh. Jalandhar is my soul and I am fully concerned with Jalandhar. Whenever I go on a foreign trip, people from or around Jalandhar and settled abroad, swarm around me and show their love for me.”

Eminent film producer and Dada Sahib Phalke award winner, Mr. Yash Chopra, a former student of Doaba college, shows his emotional attachment with the city by quipping, “All I can say is that I love Jalandhar.” He has been a regular visitor to the city, where his relations are putting up and where he still has his ancestral house.

Jalandhar- based Hans Raj Hans, the ‘Raj Gayak” and a renowned singer of the Sufi stream, considers Jalandhar as a city where every hue of life is visible like a “rainbow in the sky”. For the sake of his ‘homecity’ Jalandhar, Hans even shunned his plans to settle in London and later in Mumbai. He had even bought a nice home in London, but, he failed to resist the love that was offered to him by Jalandharis. “Yes, I admit, I find myself to be extremely attached with Jalandhar. Memories are still afresh of my days of intense struggle, when I used to come to Jalandhar from my native village, Samipur, and cover the 10- km distance on foot,” said Hans Raj Hans. He also hums a line from one of his songs, Saada Fakkran Daa Shahar Jalandhar Kude....” to strengthen his claim over the city of his struggle and dreams.

“It is clean but at the same time a little congested. But I consider it the best city of Punjab, as it is always full with life. I have been passionately associated with it since 1992, when I shifted my base from my native village, Dallian Mirzanpur, in Gurdaspur. Since then it has been a long journey,” says pop singer Jasbir Jassi.

Prominent hotelier and industrialist Gautam Kapoor, who is also owner of hotel Radisson Windsor, has more reasons to feel proud to be a Jalandhari. “People here and in the entire Doaba region are hardworking. They are achievers in life. Even in countries like the US, Canada and the UK, Jalandharis are not dependent on the social security system. Jalandharis are also more careful about their surroundings, which is why Jalandhar is more clean as compared to any other city of Punjab,” feels Mr Gautam Kapoor.

Ms Poornima Berry, a prominent socialite and industrialist who is also associated with the annual Sri Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan apart from being the Managing Director of Leader Valves Limited, thinks that Jalandhar is a cosmopolitan city, where besides enjoying the comforts of life, “one can retain one’s identity.” “People are comparatively peaceful and friendly. For me, it comes next to Amritsar, but, still it is better than any other city of Punjab,” maintains Ms Berry.

“Here in this city, you can find everything that is found in a big city, from a surfeit of food joints to big and good hotels. The beauty of the city is that it is not very congested. The new part of the town is very beautiful and has come up in a well-planned manner. Moreover, you have state- of-the-art educational facilities here,” feels Mr Ashok Mittal, Director of the Lovely Educational Trust and an eminent industrialist.

Dubbed the ‘sports kingdom’ of Punjab, Jalandhar has sports personalities falling in love with it as well. “People are good, no doubt. But what attracts me the most to it is that the city has all kinds of facilities,” says eminent hockey player Jugraj Singh, who has been putting up in the city since 1994 and who is a product of the local Khalsa High School.

“My reason for falling in love with this city is that people here are not interfering. As a large number of people from here have gone abroad, the city has attained a classy touch, which is visible everywhere in the city,” Besides maintaining its oriental touch, it’s modern as well, says Olympian Pargat Singh.

Nidhi Yashroy, a young girl of the city, feels that Jalandhar is the best place for one to develop his or her personality. “It is full of opportunities and avenues. If it is a centre of media and education, this city also has the highest concentration of hospitals in Asia. It is the most happening city in the state,” says Nidhi.

Principals write to CM ,Present a charter of long pending demands

Resolving to raise their demand for the institution of awards at the state and national levels for college principals and staff, the Association of College Principals held a meeting at Doaba College here today.

The principals raised several other issues, as they wrote a letter addressed to Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, and Mr Harnam Dass Johar, Minister for Education. In the letter, Dr R.P. Bhardwaj, president of the association, wrote that principals of various colleges in the state had shown excellent performance as administrators and educationists. He added that if some awards were instituted by the Central or state government for the recognition of their contribution in the field of higher education, it could act as a morale booster for them.

The principals have also demanded that 50 per cent merger of DA be immediately implemented for non-government aided colleges. They demanded that the ban on appointment of covered posts be lifted, as it was adversely affecting teaching in the colleges.

Demanding professor grade for principals and other staff who had completed 15 years of service, the principals said the rule should be implemented immediately as per the guidelines issued by the UGC.

The principals have also demanded that the total covered posts allocated to the colleges under 95 per cent grant-in-aid scheme be allowed to be converted to other subjects under the scheme, as per the requirement in other subjects. The principals said this would not generate any additional financial burden on the government, while making the situation more conducive for the colleges.

According to Dr Bhardwaj, the CM had been asked to fill the post of DPI (colleges), Punjab, from the non-government aided colleges on merit and appointment basis, keeping in view their large numbers in the state. The principals have also asked for quick release of grants of arrears pending from the year 2000 onwards against the claims admitted to the DPI (colleges), Chandigarh.

The association also demanded the implementation of pension and gratuity scheme as per the promise made to them during elections held nearly four years back. The members have asked the CM and the Education Minister to invite their office-bearers for a quick disposal of the issues.

A character builder

With youthful spark in his eyes, he looks like a quintessential messiah. But there’s more to his messianic essence than mere looks. Meet Prof Anil Sharma, a man with a mission: to impart quality education.

Prof Sharma, 60, is known for his sharp, critical observations and command over his subject - history, has taught his students many great things.

Accordingly he sought other institutions to follow a path which gives focus on the skills, training and character building.

Prof Sharma (gold medalist), who was recently nominated as Education Officer of GDR Convent School and GDR Day Boarding Public School in Phagwara, is associated with the field of education for the past 35 years.

“My journey as a teaching faculty started in 1971 from SPN College, Mukerian, where I worked as professor of history, dean of cultural activities and also officiated as principal of the college and since then there was no looking back for me,” said Prof Sharma.

“I inherited my teaching skills from my father late Prof Tek Chand Sharma who was also a lecturer with Doaba College, Jalandhar,” he said.

He has also imbibed in his family members, including his wife, sister, son and daughter-in-law, all holding key posts in different educational institutions, the spirit to impart quality education to the student community, especially in rural areas.

I remained professor of history and head of history department in Ramgarhia College in Phagwara from 1973 to February 2007. Apart from that I was the member of disciplinary committee and editor of the history section of the college magazine, he said.

At present, he is a member of board of Post Graduate Studies in History and member, faculty of arts and social sciences of GND University, Amritsar.

Beaming with pride, he said that the chairman, president and the general secretary of the Ramgarhia College, Phagwara, were his students.

Apart from them, other students are holding important positions in government and private sector.

I was offered the post of principal of the college but I voluntarily declined and decided to continue as a professor, he said.

These days this legendary teacher is associated with GDR Educational Society and accomplishing his spiritual duties to Shri Om Darbar, Nandachaur Dham. He said he would do his best to get GDR Convent School an affiliation of senior secondary level.

FM announces Rs 7 lakh grant for College

The Finance Minister, Mr Surinder Singla, seemed to be on a donation spree as he announced one grant after the other during his visit to Doaba College on the occasion of the prize distribution function here today.

He first announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the college, followed by another grant of Rs 1 lakh for rewarding the outstanding students of the college and yet another grant of Rs 1 lakh for the Old Students’ Association of the college.

Mr Singla distributed prizes to 315 undergraduate and postgraduate students. He distributed prizes to the students excelling in academics, sports, NSS, NCC and extra-curricular activities. Addressing the students, he said the government was trying to attract more telecom and IT firms from abroad so that there were more employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the minister also assured a delegation of exporters and industrialists, who met him at the Rest House here, that diesel engine pump sets and a few more items would be brought under 4 per cent VAT soon. This was disclosed by Mr A.K. Kohli, Senior Vice-President, Punjab Chamber of Small Exporters.

Traders had been demanding a reduction in VAT from 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent on these items and a notification in this regard for the last six months.

Lord Paul opens hospital block

Lord Swraj Paul, British business ambassador, concluded his much-hyped “Jalandhar Outreach Event” by inaugurating a 50-bedded block at the local Devi Talab Charitable Hospital. He also addressed the annual convocation at Doaba College and interacted with children at the local Red Cross Deaf and Dump School.

Lord Paul, Chancellor of Wolverhampton University, was accompanied by Mr Shital Vij, Chairperson of the Devi Talab Charitable Hospital Management Committee. The new block at the hospital is dedicated to Lord Paul’s brother, Dr Satya Paul. With the addition of the new block, the bed strength of the hospital has risen to 150.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Lord Paul, who also paid a visit to the adjoining Devi Talab Mandir, said though religious donations were important, people should also donate for improving basic health services. “That is the real service to God and mankind,” he added. Lauding the services being rendered by the hospital, he said more such hospitals were needed in the country as these could bring a positive change in the basic health services, particularly in the rural areas. “Social organisations should come forward to take up the cause,” he said.

Mr Vij said the new block had been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore and the hospital had now been divided into four blocks — medicine, general surgery, paediatrics and orthopaedics. Lord Paul also paid obeisance at the historic Devi Talab Mandir, where he was presented siropas by the Devi Talab Temple Management Committee Chairman, Mr Vinod Gupta, and Dr Satpal Gupta, a senior office-bearer.

Earlier, Lord Paul, who was accompanied by Mr K. Siva Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, and the Red Cross Society Chairman, Dr Kamala Prasad, visited the local Deaf and Dump School, being run by the Red Cross Society. During his interaction with students and their parents, Lord Paul said such students could also achieve greatness in life and society. “The British Home Secretary is deaf but he is one of most efficient officials, which shows that sky is the limit for such children, despite their disabilities. They should be encouraged by one and all,” he observed.

Before leaving for Delhi, Lord Paul addressed the annual convocation at the local Doaba College where he was a student once. He said he was elated to be in his old college after so many years. “I cannot express my feelings in words,” he added. He was welcomed by the Principal of the college, Mr D.P. Bharadwaj, and the college staff. Mr Bharadwaj said Lord Paul was a source of inspiration for the young generation, particularly for the students of Doaba College. A cultural programme was also organised in honour of Lord Paul, who left for Delhi in the evening by the Shatabdi.

Non teaching college employees hold protest rally

Protesting against the Punjab government for the non-fulfillment of their demands, non-teaching employees of 150 private-aided colleges of Punjab and Chandigarh affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University, Panjab University and Punjabi University assembled on the campus of the Doaba College to hold a rally here today.

The members raised slogans and demanded the immediate merger of 50 per cent DA with the basic pay, release of DA installments announced by the state government from time to time, implementation of regular release of the salary grant, implementation of pension and gratuity and ban on fresh recruitments.

Mr Gurdial Singh Johal, president of the union, and Mr Raj Kumar Singla, general secretary, said the representatives of their union had met Mr Surinder Singla, Finance Minister, Punjab, and apprised him of their demands. They said the minister had assured them justice.

Dhumal awards degrees to 354 students

As many as 354 students of the Doaba College were awarded degrees during 57th annual convocation today.

Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, former Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh along with alumnus of the college awarded 182 undergraduate degrees and 172 postgraduate degrees.

Addressing the students, the former Chief Minister stressed on the inculcation of social responsibility and intellect.

Mr Chander Mohan, President of the college management, and Dr R.P. Bhardwaj, Principal, were present on the occasion.

Journalism students celebrate Press Day

Mediapersons associated with the print and electronic media discussed issues pertaining to ethical and moral responsibilities of the profession. Dr Kamlesh Singh Duggal, Head of the Department, and Mr R.N. Singh, president of the club, presided over the function.

The Mass Communication and Journalism Department, Doaba College, also celebrated the day. The function started with collage making contest, followed by extempore on issued related to media and significance of celebrating Press Day.

Monica of BA-I and Pranav of BSc-II bagged the first and second prizes, respectively, in extempore. In collage making contest, teams headed by Akhil and Shashi won first and second prizes, respectively.

Now, read English version of Basra Ki Galiyan

City-based writer Dr Ajay Sharma’s acclaimed work ‘Basra Ki Galiyan’ has become the first contemporary Hindi novel to be translated into English from Punjab. Prof Sandeep Chahal, lecturer in English at Doaba College here, has translated the work, now titled as ‘Basra’s Streets’.

Interestingly, the novel, plot of which deals with the invasion of Iraq in 2003, has also been included in Guru Nanak Dev University’s curriculum (MA-1, Hindi).

“Dr Sharma has successfully created a microcosm out of the macrocosm by drawing an exquisite parallel between the Vietnam-US war and US-Iraq imbroglio,” said Chahal when asked what inspired him to go-ahead with the translation work. “It’s also a stinging attack on oil politics and arm-twisting technique of developed countries to dominate the developing nation. Moreover, it’s also the first-ever novel on the estranged US-Iraq relationship in an Indian language,” claimed Chahal.

He admitted that it was indeed a Herculean task to translate the work into English.

“The greatest challenge was to keep intact the spirit of the original work. I have tried to retain the original emotions, punch lines, feelings and spirit,” he added. Regarding the book, Dr Sharma said he went to Basra (Iraq) in 1985 and was greatly moved to see the miserable plight of the people. “And that’s how ‘Basra Ki Galiyan’ was born,” said the writer. The 168-page translated version will be formally released by GNDU dean languages Dr Harmahinder Singh Bedi and AIFUCTO general secretary Dr VK Tiwari on Sunday.

The sparrows nest

With mother nature taking a backseat in our daily lives and mobiles, office, work, malls and digital devices riding full throttle on our minds, we really do not have time to think about some humble little creatures which had at one point of time thronged
our kitchen gardens and rooftops.

We might have comfortably whisked them away, thinking of them as little pests which were nibbling away at the grains which our grandmother had laid out systematically in the courtyards to dry up in the winters, but given the present state of affairs we need not think about such obstructions anymore, because the obstructions themselves seem to be vanishing into thin air.

We may be deaf enough, not to notice the absence of the chirps and flutters which have been replaced with the sounds of ringtones and honking of vehicles but there’s somebody who has been on guard.

It was 10 years ago that Sandeep Chahal of Doaba College, along with his friend Bikramjit Singh Sodhi, bothered about the receding number of sparrows, decided to create nests (a small wooden box with a hole in it), as part of the “save sparrow campaign”, which would serve as a home for the winged creatures whose existence seemed to be threatened.

Chahal started it at an individual level, but he must have never thought that his small efforts would one day take the shape of a movement.

Now the president of an NGO, Dastak, Chahal shows us the nests, a 9 inch x 7 inch wooden box, with a little aluminium handle to enable the birds to sit on it.

“We make the box and put straw or dry grass into it and put it on the wall, preferably under sheltered areas,” he says.

“Putting the nests on trees is not recommended because the threat from adverse climatic conditions and predators or snakes is larger there,” he says.

“The birds love the nests. In a year, about three pairs of birds do stay in the nest and each pair lays about five to six eggs. We feed them grains and the little ones are fed larvae and insects by their mothers, for which we keep green peas in the open so that they generate larvae in some days,” Chahal adds.

“Two years ago there was a phase when there wasn’t a single bird in the nests, but we held on and didn’t lose patience,” he points towards a flock of sparrows, “It seems the patience has paid off.”

Students interact with science and technology experts

ENDEAVOURING to bring students face to face with scientists, researchers and experts from different fields, various colleges of the city organised workshops and seminars this week.

The Postgraduate Department of Computer Science and IT of Doaba College organised a five-day workshop on "Telecommunication network design using econets" from Monday. During the workshop, networking professional and illustrious alumnus, Prof Roshan L. Sharma, interacted with students.

Professor Sharma was the member of the Rockwell International team that discovered the first commercial modem and digital switch. He also designed software called "Econets", which is a revolutionary and flexible tool for modelling and analysing any kind of network. He told the students that he had not found a single network till date that could not be modelled by his software.

Prof Roshan explained the working of the tool to the students first in the theoretical session. Later, students got hands-on experience in computer laboratories of the department.

A two-day UGC sponsored seminar on embedded systems was organised by the Postgraduate Department of Computer Science and Applications, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, on Monday and Tuesday.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr G.D. Sharma, Director of Consortium of Computers, University Grants Commission. Mr N.S. Kalsi, Director and Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, Punjab, was the guest of honour.

In his inaugural address, Mr Kalsi gave a presentation on "Emerging trends in technology and education". He said that the embedded system had enabled the new generation with a wide variety of applications.

He said that the use of an electronic eye for the visually impaired was one of the best uses of the technology.

Dr Kanwaljit Singh, Reader and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Centre, gave a talk on "Embedded systems — An augmentation to contemporary computer application courses".

Mr Sanjay Sharma from the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, gave a presentation on the topic "Emergence of multiple standards for wireless systems".

Prof Shakti Kumar, Additional Director, Haryana Engineering College, Jagadhri, presented his paper on "Automated design of fuzzy logic-based embedded systems". Mr Lalit Sen Sharma from University of Jammu, talked about "Issues and challenges in embedded systems development" faced by the designer and developer of such systems.

The Department of Commerce of Trinity College, in collaboration with the ICSSR, organised a seminar on "Recent advances in human resource development" on Saturday.

Prof Jitendra Mohan, President of Indian Academy of Applied Psychology and honorary Director of UNSESCO Centre at PU, spoke on stress.

Principal, Dr Kurian Mattam, said that as many as 150 academicians, professionals and students attended the seminar.

Colleges to remain closed on Sept 19, 26

Expressing solidarity with Punjab Chandigarh College Teachers Union’s on-going agitation, the Principals Association (GNDU, Amritsar Jurisdiction Area) has urged the Chief Minister and education minister to take immediate steps to redress the grievances of the teachers of the privately managed government aided colleges.

In a meeting at Doaba College, Jalandhar on Friday association’s president Dr R.P. Bhardwaj said due to agitation the teaching work in educational institutions has been affected and the students are the worst hit.

Talking to the mediapersons, association’s general secretary Dr. Jaspal Singh Randhawa said the Principal s Association has decided to participate in the agitation in Chandigarh on September 19 and 26.

City my emotional weakness: Yash Chopra

"Jalandhar is my emotional weakness and I still remember every nook and corner of the city perfectly well," reminisces ace filmmaker and showman Yash Chopra, for whom Jalandhar is not only his hometown, but also a place that is close to his heart.

He has a special affection for "old city", that he calls "a city of young dreams". This affection is so intense that even after a lapse of half a century, his memories are as fresh and fragrant as his films. He left the city for Mumbai following the footsteps of his elder brother B.R. Chopra.

"I am full of loving memories of my people living in and around Gobindgarh Mohalla, where we still have our ancestral home. I can recognise each landmark of not only my mohalla, but also other parts of the city. The memories have been surrounding me since 1951, the year when I passed out as a graduate from Jalandhar s Doaba College," says an emotional Yash Chopra, while talking to this correspondent over phone from Mumbai, where he was busy with his latest movie, "Veer Zaara". The film has evoked a huge pre-release interest, as it is said to be the first film in which music of a music director has been used 30 years after his death. So unique is the experiment that Yash Chopra himself is excited. His excitement could be felt during his telephonic talk.

"No doubt, this is the first venture of its kind. The compositions of well-known music director Madan Mohan (who also incidentally belonged to Jalandhar) used in this film have never been used earlier. This effort has the complete cooperation of the late Madan Mohan s son Sanjiv Kohli. Madan Mohan s golden compositions have always been a great source of inspiration to me and I have been dreaming all the while to get an opportunity to use these in one of my films. Finally, the day has come and these compositions have been recreated. I have high hopes from this film," observes Yash Chopra.

Asked whether being a Punjabi, he would ever make a Punjabi film or a film on Punjab, Yash Chopra says, "I am keen to make either a Punjabi film or a film on Punjab, but these days I am very busy in the release of my latest venture "Veer Zaara". Only after the release of this film can I think of some other project." He adds, "I am interested in Punjab, as it is my home."

3 colleges get NAAC accreditation

Three local colleges received an accreditation report from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) here today. All the three colleges, Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women, Doaba College and Hansraj Mahila Mahavidyala, got A-plus grade from the council. Three different teams of the council were in the city in the first week of this month to inspect the colleges and interact with the students and faculty to verify the facts stated by the colleges in the reports presented earlier.

Addressing mediapersons at a press conference held at the Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women, Ms Manjit Kaur Grewal, Principal, said that even though the college had a low strength of students, the team had appreciated the fact that the college was playing a significant role in increasing the level of literacy rate in rural areas.

Mr R.P. Bhardwaj, Principal of Doaba College, said that the team had praised the college for teaching and learning practices, evaluation, research, promotion of co-curricular activities and organisational management.

Ms Puran Prabha Sharma, Principal of HMV College, gave the credit to the entire faculty that was striving to uplift the standards of the college.

NAAC report of Doaba College

SECTION 1: PREAMBLE
The Doaba College is situated in Jalandhar district of Punjab. The college volunteered to be assessed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and submitted its Self - Study Report to the NAAC in June, 2004. The NAAC constituted a Peer Team consisting of Professor R. P. Kaushik, Member U.G.C. and Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, Dr. S. N. Singh, Principal, G.S.College of Commerce & Economics, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and Prof. D. K. Maheshwari, Dean, Faculty of Life Science, G. K. University, Hardwar as Members of the Team to visit the College and validate the Self â€“ Study Report. The Peer Team visited the college on 2nd, 3rd and 4th September 2004.

The Doaba College, Jalandhar, was established in the year 1941 by Arya Shiksha Mandal, Jalandhar with a mission to promote learning both by students and faculty to achieve excellence in education. The great visionaries, educationists, dedicated social workers, freedom fighters and renowned industrialists nursed and nurtured it from the very beginning. The College is affiliated to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. It is a grant-in-aid and Self â€“ Financing institution.

The institution is located in urban area. It offers a wide range of courses and programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. It offers 16 UG Programmes, 9 PG Programmes, 5 PG Diploma Programmes, 3 Diploma Programmes and 3 Certificate Programmes. The institution is recognised by the University Grants Commission under Section 2 (f) and 12 (B). The college campus is spread over an area of approximately 22.5 acres which house the Administrative Block, Science Block, Department of Commerce and Management, Virendra Auditorium, Post-Graduate Block, Library, Two Hostel Buildings (One modern hygienic new building equipped with latest electrical cooking gadgets and the other old one), Three Chemistry Labs, Three Physics Labs, Two Botany Labs, One Biotech Lab, One Multi-Media Lab, One Geography Lab, Five Computer Labs, I.T. Block, swimming pool, newly constructed Canteen with modern facilities, Bank, Post Office. The student strength in UG programmes in the current session 2004-05 is 903 and 447 in PG programmes. In the Self-Financing courses the strength is 319. The unit cost of education of the institution in the year 2003-2004 was Rs.19,937 (including Salary component) & Rs. 4037 (excluding Salary component). The college has a total strength of 99 teachers, of which 73 are permanent, 3 part-time and 23 temporary teachers and 70 Non-teaching staff. The college has an Alumni Association and many of the alumni of the College occupy prominent positions in different walks of life.

The Peer Team constituted by NAAC carefully perused and analysed the Self â€“ Study Report of the College. It went through all the relevant documents and also interacted with the members of the Management of the College, the Principal, the Members of the Faculty and Non-Teaching Staff, Student, Parents and Alumni of the college. Peer Team also visited the various departments and support system. Based on these meetings and keeping in mind the criteria identified by the NAAC, the assessment of the College on the basis of its strengths and concerns is as follows:

SECTION 2: CRITERION â€“ WISE ANALYSIS:
The institution aims at providing education for all with emphasis on making education accessible to the underprivileged and ensure physical, mental and moral growth of the students and making them capable of earning adequate income through wages or self employment. The computer related curricula and Management courses, of the affiliating Guru Nanak Dev University, taught in the College, prepare the student for employment. Primarily, the mission of the college is to impart value based and career oriented learning to its students. The college is both oriental and occidental in transmission of knowledge. The college has the updated new courses related to the Computer and I. T., Science, Business Management and Journalism. The institution promotes the study of Vedic and Sanskrit literature. It conducted Free Simple Spoken Sanskrit course sponsored by U.G.C. in the session 2002-03. The College has programmes in Humanities, Science, Commerce and Management, Computer, I.T., Journalism, Multi-Media and Electronic Media.

The college offers Postgraduate studies in the subject of English, Economics, Political Science, Maths, Punjabi, Commerce. During the last three years the college has introduced new career oriented, self-financing and innovative courses in Biotechnology, B.Com (Professional), B.CAM, B.Sc. (Computer Maintenance), B.A. (Multi-Media), B.Sc. (Electronic Media), B.A. with Journalism and Computer as a subject, B.A. (Hons. School) in English, Master of Business Economics, Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism, M.Sc. (Computer Science). Apart from this the college has signed MOU with IGNOU which runs more than 70 courses at the college campus. The U.G.C. has granted three Career Oriented Add On Courses recently to the college. Most of the courses run by the College perform the functions of imparting knowledge but there are certain courses which develop the individual skill of the students. The time-frame of the programmes is fixed by the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The university does not allow horizontal mobility. Elective options are available at Graduate and Post Graduate levels. All the Curricula taught in the college are based on the syllabi of the affiliating Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. They are changed from time to time. The process of introducing any new programme of study after it has been conceptualized in the college spans over a year at least. All the Heads of the Department of the college have contributed in the curriculum design / restructuring of the courses of the university, in the capacity of the members of the Board of Studies and Academic Bodies. Some specific courses have been designed by the college faculty and got approved from the Guru Nanak Dev University.

CRITERION II: TEACHING LEARNING AND EVALUATION
The College has followed a mixed pattern of making admissions to different courses. Students are admitted keeping in view the eligibility conditions laid down by the University. Knowledge and skills of the student after admission is assessed in a definite manner, through Home assignments, Class seminars, Home tests, Class tests and Group discussions. The College has developed and implemented a suitable mechanism in this regard. The College has also evolved a system and put into practice with regard to conducting bridge/remedial courses to the educationally disadvantaged students free of cost especially in Science. With regard to the advanced learners, the College offers different incentives and methods to challenge them to work ahead of the rest. The College encourages the teachers to make teaching plans thrice during the year/semester and maintain the diary of work. The conventional lecture method of teaching in the College is supplemented by other learner â€“ centered teaching methods, such as slides, charts, online information, OHP and LCD projectors, exhibitions, seminars, guest lectures, extempore, debates and quiz etc. The college has introduced innovative approaches in the instructional technology to strengthen the conventional methods of teaching. There is facility of preparing audio visual and other teaching aids. This has produced significant results by bagging several top positions in University Examinations every year.

It is a matter of high appreciation that during 2002-03 the College has had 180 teaching days, while the working days of the college were 290 days. The work load of the teachers ranges between 24 and 12 period per week (24 for Full Time and 12 for Part Time Lecturers). The ratio of full time teachers to part-time teachers is 32:1, the ratio of teaching staff to non-teaching staff is 1.41:1. The College has 73 permanent teachers, 23 temporary and 3 part-time teachers, 55 permanent non-teaching staff and 15 temporary non-teaching staff. The Collegeâ€™s examination evaluation methods are duly communicated to the students at the beginning of the year through prospectus and teachers. The College provides such information on the examination system and evaluation methods to all the students through printed/cyclostyled hand-outs given to all the students. With regard to monitoring the overall performance of the students; a suitable mechanism has been developed and implemented. The college prepares yearly calendar at the beginning of the session and the syllabi is unitized and planned according to each term and distributed among students within a few days of the start of the teaching work. Teachers are recruited as per UGC/Guru Nanak Dev University / Punjab Govt. DPI (C) norms. College does enjoy the freedom and has the resources to appoint and pay temporary / ad-hoc teaching staff, as and when needed. It is highly commendable that teachers participate as well as present papers as Resource Persons at the State, National and International Seminars/ Conferences/Workshops, they also act as Research Guides for M.Phil and Ph.D. The College follows the Self-appraisal method to evaluate the performance of the faculty in teaching, research and extension. Besides, the teacher performance appraisal is followed through university results, student feedback and parent interaction.

The College organises seminars as a faculty development programme. The teachers are encouraged to participate in refresher courses, seminars, workshops and programmes for faculty development. The College also organises lectures on personality development. During the last two years, sixty teachers were benefited from the computer aided teaching programme: seventy by personality development and forty by linguistics programmes, thirty teachers attended Orientation / Refresher Courses in different universities. The College may organise a few more seminars, faculty development / improvement programmes, in a year, for the general / professional development of all the teachers. It is noteworthy that in the year 2000 Dr. Ominder Singh Johal of the PG Department of Punjabi, received an award from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar named â€˜Maula Baksha Kushta Khoj Ate Alochana Purskar â€“ 2000â€™. Each member of the faculty has been directly or indirectly, involved in different committees to facilitate smooth functioning of the college.

The College has traditional as well as modern practice to impart value based education. Transparencies and presentations for LCD projector are frequently used for making teaching more effective and informative. The College encourages significant teaching innovations amongst its faculty and students by forming different subject associations and societies, NCC, NSS, Rotaract Club, etc.

Significantly the college has entered an MOU with Wolverhampton University, U.K. for its B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Studies. In this series the UGC has established Free Simple Sanskrit Spoken Centre. Recently the college has established U.G.C. Network Research Centre to start long term and short term vocational computer courses. The college has introduced self designed courses approved by G.N.D.U., Amritsar for the benefit of the students viz. B.Sc. (Electronic Media), B.A. with Journalism and B.A. (Multimedia), B.A. (Hons School) in English, B.Sc. (Computer Maintenance) etc. B.Sc. (Bio-Informatics) is in the offering.

CRITERION III: RESEARCH CONSULTANCY AND EXTENSION
As a part of research promotion, the Postgraduate students of MBE, MMC, M.Sc. (Computer Science) and M.Com undertake research projects. At the graduate level the students of BBA, BCA, B.CAM, B.Sc. (Electronic Media), B. Com (Professional) and Geography submit project reports based on socio-economic aspects of rural/urban areas. Teachers avail study leave to improve their academic qualifications. They are provided financial assistance to present papers at national conferences and seminars. The college has been sanctioned Rs. 50,000/- for Career Orientation Programme during 2003-04 by U.G.C. A further grant of Rs. 80,000/- was also sanctioned by U.G.C. for holding seminar on â€˜Network Security and Its Implementationsâ€™ during 2003-04. A grant of Rs. 54,000/- for seminar on â€˜Performance of Tourism Industry in Relation to Public Relationsâ€™ was also sponsored by the U.G.C. With another National Seminar during 2003-04 on â€˜Fundamentalism and Terrorism â€“ A Threat to Human Rightsâ€™. The college has an on-going research project of World Bank on â€˜Rural Marketing in South Africaâ€™ with a total outlay of 2200 US Dollars for one and a half year. The extension activities of the college include community work, social work, Health and Hygiene Medical Camp, Adult Education and Literacy, Blood Donation Camp, Aids Awareness and Environmental awareness. The teachers and students are encouraged to participate in the extension activities through extension dialogues with them, inviting and inspiring them by exemplary personalities who address them in the campus. The college extension activities are undertaken with help of the NGOs and other agencies. The Departments of Postgraduate studies have published the maiden number of Research Journals in the fields of Languages, Social Sciences and Science & I.T. The College also publishes the college magazine â€˜The Doabâ€™ every year.

CRITERION IV: INFRASTRUCTURE AND LEARNING RESOURCE
The college has a master plan of its campus with its existing building and the projected expansion for the future. It has spacious building, I.T. Block, lush green lawns, playgrounds, conference room, state of the art auditorium, open air theatre, swimming pool, new staff room, girls common room, conference hall etc. Apart from engaging an estate manager, a team of gardeners, sweepers, electricians, plumbers and carpenters, the college encourages its teachers and students to apply their skills for the beautification of the campus. The college ensures optimum use of its infrastructure facilities by allowing IGNOU to run its courses on Sundays and also for its examinations.

Several new courses are also run in the evening shift in the college. Various NGOs and other agencies also make use of these facilities by holding seminars, entrance examinations, extension lectures, guest lectures for career orientation and placement of the students. The college library is used by students of Punjab University, Chandigarh. The existing infrastructure of the college is being utilized quite optimally. The college campus is maintained pollution free and buildings are painted periodically.

The college library has an Advisory Committee. The college also offers Book Bank Facility to the students. In the library activities have been computerized, i.e. accession register, cataloguing through interconnectivity and issuing of books to the students. The library is kept open on all working days from 9 am to 4 pm. At the end of the March 2004 the library had 63500 books. The library subscribes 41 magazines and 35 journals. There is direct internet surfing facility in the library as well as in the department of Postgraduate studies. Meaningfully there is Open Shelf Library Facility for the postgraduate students. There is workable English Language Lab to cater to the communications skills of the students. There is Xerox facility both in the library and the administrative block. There is evening library facility for the resident students.

The college has I. T. block which is being used as central computer facility. Computer centre functions between 9 am to 4 pm. The Principalâ€™s Chamber, Accounts Office, General Office have been fully computerized and the Fee Branch is in the process of computerisation. The centre developed more than 12000 programmes in Maths and Physics. The maintenance of the computers is done through the staff of the Department of the Computer Science and I.T. In case of major problems private agency is called.

Health services are available to the students and staff through dispensary, sick room, health club. Cases of sudden health problems are treated in nearest hospitals. The college has clean drinking water facility. The college has a department of Physical Education well equipped with playgrounds for various games and athletic exercises like cricket, soft ball water polo, volley ball, swimming, body building, weight lifting, badminton, boxing etc. The college has a football ground, swimming pool, cricket ground, soft ball court, volley ball court etc. Sports persons are provided with various incentives in the form of financial assistance, fee concession, mementoes, trophies, cash prizes and hostel facilities. During 2003-04 the college team was placed second in Water Polo, Swimming and Weight Lifting competitions in the university level and eight students were selected for university water polo team and three of them participated at the national level. The college was placed 1st in Volley Ball at the university level and had its three students selected for university team.

CRITERION V: STUDENT SUPPORT AND PROGRESSION
During 2003-04 the percentage of student appearing for the qualifying examination after the minimum period of study ranges between 80% in Arts to 90% in Computer Science. The drop out rate in Commerce and Science was 5%, 10% in Arts, 0.045% in Computer Science. Progression to employment and further studies from UG to PG is 20%. The alumni of the college are stated to have prominent positions in different walks of life. About 35 ex students of college have passed All India Competitive Examination during the last five years.

The college publishes its updated prospectus annually. The eligible students can avail themselves of different kinds of financial aids from the Central Govt., State Govt. and the University. Kargil Free Education Scheme by Management is also given to qualifying students. The college has an employment cell and a placement officer who helps the students in their search for employment. The college teachers also participate in academic and personal counselling to the students within and outside the classrooms as and when needed.

Every year once or twice educational tours are organized by all the Postgraduate departments, Science and Commerce Undergraduate departments. The students of professional courses are taken to different industrial organizations to have a practical knowledge to help them develop professional skills. The meritorious students, distinguished sports persons and artists are awarded medals, full freeships, fee concessions, free books and cash awards. Even some philanthropists have donated cash awards and medals for the distinguishing students of all categories.

Several alumni of the college are known to have won laurels like Vikram Rathore and Harvinder Singh, member of Indian Cricket team, Sushil Kohli, Bronze medallist in Asian Water Polo, Thukral Brothers, Table Tennis, Pradeep Kumar, Volley Ball, besides Lord Swraj Paul, Chancellor, Wolverhampton University, UK and Sh. Yash Chopra, Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee and Film Maker of national and international repute, Dr. J. S. Gujral, Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Sh. P. K. Dhumal, Former Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh. The college is nursery of budding Radio / TV artists and sports persons of national and international repute. The Peer Team was pleased to know that one Body Builder of the college has won Silver Medal in Asian Body Building Championship held at Seoul and one Weight Lifter, had won three Silver Medals in Asian Weight Lifting, Three Gold Medals in South Asian Games and participated in World Championship and has been decorated with Arjuna Award. It is pleasing that one student won Indira Gandhi National NSS Award, another Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Award, another Governors Award for Social Service.

CRITERION VI: ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
The college has an efficient internal coordinating and monitoring mechanism. It has one Vice Principal, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Bursar, Academic Council, Staff Council and numerous other bodies. The heads of different departments coordinate their work in various committees. Two staff representatives are nominated to the governing body of the college. The work efficiency of Non-Teaching Staff is looked after by Superintendent, Accountant and Bursar. They finally report to the Principal regarding the performance and output of Non-Teaching staff. The work and functioning of the laboratory staff of different Science and IT wings is looked after by their respective heads of the department. The academic calendar is formulated on the basis of guidelines laid down by the university.

The fee structure of Govt. supported courses in the college is as per the Govt. approval. Self Financing Courses have a different and higher fee structure. There have been marginal changes only in the other fees, during last three years. The college budget during 2002-03 was a deficit budget due to non availability of grants from Punjab Govt. There is internal audit mechanism in the college. The deficit in the college budget, if any, is meted out from internal sources by the college.

The welfare programmes of the college are in terms of cooperative society working since 1970, where non-teaching staff get loan upto Rs. 1,00,000/-, free education to the wards of the college employees. The college has a Grievance Redressal Cell through the committees, for the teaching staff, non-teaching staff and students.

The loan facility available to the employees is limited to loans against each oneâ€™s provident fund account for some specified purpose. A soft loan scheme by management both for teaching and non-teaching staff could be formulated and implemented, as soon as possible. Uniforms to class IV employees are given twice a year and subsidized accommodation is provided to Class IV employees in the campus. The selection process of teaching and non-teaching staff is in total consonance with the norms of Guru Nanak Dev University and Punjab Govt.

CRITERION VII: HEALTHY PRACTICES
The college has been following some measures aiming at internal quality checks through regular meetings and discussions of Governing Body. Staff meetings, teachersâ€™ self appraisal and departmental meetings etc. an effective quality assurance would be helpful in this regard in systematizing and strengthening in mechanism of internal quality checks and improvements.

*The staff of the college are sensitized to the managerial concepts of strategic planning, team work, decision making and computerization to some extent.

*The regular academic programmes of the college is sought to be strengthened through other complimentary systems like self financing courses and non formal mode. In this category â€˜Self Financing Coursesâ€™ the college has courses such as MBE, MMC, M.Sc. (Computer Science) under Distance Education Programme.

Some practices of value based education are followed like Holy Havan Yajna followed by moral and Spiritual Discourse, Art of Living Course, Shwas Kriya Programme, NSS activities, Rotaract Club, Youth Club all these bodies help in inculcating value based education. An enhanced performance in this regard is aimed at, through and effective value education cell by arranging talks on national unity and dignity, population problem and need of family planning, service to society, anti addiction, women empowerment, environmental protection, water literacy etc.

Civic responsibilities among the students are inculcated through several activities like Blood Donation, Aids Awareness Programme, Pulse Polio Campaign, Traffic Awareness, Plantation of Trees, Environmental Awareness, Human Rights Seminars and Symposia, Sanitation and Cleanliness drive etc. During Kargil war the staff and the students joined together and raised the money for bereaved family. Management of the college has though of giving total free education to the wards of Kargil War Heroes.

The college puts in a variety of efforts towards the all round development of the learners through Welcome Functions, Talent Search Competitions, various clubs and associations such as NCC, NSS, educational tours and excursions.

The college strives to achieve its motto to promote learning both by students and faculty to achieve excellence in education and all its activities from academic to co-academic are geared towards Knowledge-Society and employable citizen.

Community orientation to the college activities is brought in through various college activities and programmes like NSS activities. In case of national calamities such as wars, floods, earthquakes, draughts etc. The college helps the victims by raising funds, donating woolen sweaters, clothes and items of daily use. Blood Donation Camps are arranged for Blood Bank.

The college does promote general / transferable skills among its students. The capacity to learn is improved upon through several teaching aids, study tours, field trips and guest lectures. Communication skills are enhanced through elocution competition, paper reading, extempore speeches, classroom seminars etc. Numerical skills are sharpened through Computer courses, Science subjects, Economic, Accounting etc. The students have a good exposure working as a part of team as well as independently through NSS, NCC, Annual Social gatherings. Team spirit is evident many of co-academic activities like staff tours, indoor and outdoor sports etc.

SECTION 3: OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Peer Team after going through the Self Study Report and on the basis of its visit to various academic and physical facilities of the institution, find that the college has been able to make some significant progress in achieving its objectives. Hence it has been functioning in accordance with the aims and objectives laid down by Arya Shiksha Mandal. There is a healthy relationship between various functionaries of the college, which has contributed to cordial environment in the institution. The Peer Team considers the following features of the College commendable:

Effective leadership of the Principal and dedication and commitment of both teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution.

Encouragement and support given by the management of the institution for its effective functioning.

The application of strategic planning for the future growth and development of the institution.

The college has its own plans for the future needs, infrastructural growth and development.

The college has its own well structured Students Grievances Redressal Cell to meet the increasing academic, social and economic needs and problems of the students. It is commendable that college has computerized administrative block, library and internet facility in PG Block, Library and 24 hrs. dedicated leased line in I.T. Block.

Departments of Postgraduate and undergraduate studies have published three research journals in this academic session.

The college has a unique feature of Non Teaching Welfare Staff Fund from which every month One Lac rupees is given as loan to the members in turn.

Keeping in view the future growth and development of the college, the Peer Team suggests the following to the institution for its consideration:

Interconnectivity with other libraries for inter library borrowing may be considered favourably by the college.

The college could encourage consultancy services and consider publicizing the expertise of the faculty available in the college.

The services of Inter-University Centres like IUCCA, IAS, INFLIBNET; etc. may be considered.

The college could consider having MOUs with some industries and research organizations for the purpose of sharing resources in terms of teaching, career guidance, on job training, placement etc. The college could further develop linkages with national level bodies, like ICSSR, U.G.C., Universities and research institutions in India for research & training including research projects, orientation and refresher courses, seminars, conferences, workshops etc.
The Peer Team thanks the college for the cooperation extended for the conduct of the visit and wishes all the best in its future endeavours.

Certain information is supplied by the Respondent to the Complainant in our presence. Complainant expresses satisfaction with the material delivered to him. He informs us that this basic information would assist him in obtaining certain dues from his subsequent employer that is Punjab University, Chandigarh.
2. The matter is disposed of.

Present:
Sh. Ashwani Kumar, husband of the Complainant in CC No. 2008 & 2009 of 2007 and on behalf of the Complainant in CC No. 1640 & 1985 of 2007.
Sh. M.S.Sachdeva, Advocate on behalf of the Respondent.

On 04.02.2008, the last date of hearing, we had directed that the information on various matters listed in the original request under RTI Act, 2005, should be delivered to the Complainant. Respondent informs us that complete information has duly been delivered. He states further that if there is any deficiency in the information supplied, he is prepared to remove such deficiency in case it is pointed out to him.

2. The Complainant states as under :-
(i) CC No. 1640 of 2007 : Complainant is satisfied with the information delivered to her.
(ii) CC No. 1985 of 2007 : Complainant states that he had demanded the complete file regarding the application for appointment and selection of Smt. Shelly Goomber. He states that the information given is incomplete. Respondent states that all relevant papers have been delivered and undertakes that if any deficiency is pointed out to him, he would be prepared to remove the same. Complainant did not specify the deficiency observed, apart from expressing a general contention of dissatisfaction. We find that no further action is required. The information is deemed to have been delivered.

(iii) CC No. 2009 of 2007 : Complainant states that information demanded in this case has not been delivered. According to the Respondent, the compilation of the information demanded is a voluminous task. He requests that he may not be required to take up this exercise as this would divert the resources of the college disproportionately and would disrupt the normal functioning of the college and, hence, would not be in public interest. In this regard, Respondent seeks support of Section 7(9) of the Act.
(iv) CC No. 2008 of 2007 : Complainant is satisfied with the information delivered to her.

3. After hearing both sides, we accept the stand of the Respondent that whatever information has been supplied should be considered adequate for the purpose. The plea under Section 7(9) of the Act is, therefore, accepted.
4. The matter is, accordingly, disposed of and closed. Copies of the order be sent to both the parties.

Vide our order dated 07.01.2008, judgment in all these cases was reserved.
2. The items of information, that the Respondent claims are exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) RTI Act, 2005, are as under :-
“ In CC-1985/2007
(a) “Copies of complete file of Dr. Monica Mahajan starting from her application for the post advertised by the college for filling the regular/permanent vacancy of lecturer in biotechnology in year 2005 till date (inclusive of all the nothings, all communications submitted by Dr. Monica to college, communications undertaken by college for approval of her post from the University and all other communications which have taken place between college and other authorities, copy of all certificates of her qualification, copy of her Doctorate Certificate) be provided.
(b) Copy of complete file of Research Project recommended by Principal to University Grants Commission for carrying on research on Biotech subject “use of biotechnology Tools for development of disease resistant plants in potato” by Dr. Monica Mahajan who is MSc in Botany and has dones here doctorate of Philosophy in Botany (Minor subject Plant Pathology) from Department of Botany College of Basic Science and Humanities PAU Ludhiana.”

In CC-1640/2007

(c) “Name and educational detail of all the teachers/lecturers appointed the college since session 2004-05. A copy of all the appointments letters issued to the teachers appointed be given.
(d) The detail of all the teachers appointed on regular/permanent basis in Department of Biotechnology be given clarifying the teachers appointed on the basis of UGC/NET qualifications and appointed on the basis of PHD/Mphil.

(e) A copy of UGC/Net qualification certificate for those appointed on the basis of Net qualification and copy of Phd subject thesis for those appointed on the basis of Phd be given.
(f) Detail of departments that existed in college at the time of joining of Sh. R.P.Bhardwaj as principal alongwith strength of students in each department at that time. Number of students presently studying in such departments be given.”

3. Section 8(1)(j) RTI Act, 2005, exempts from disclosure personal information which has no relationship to any public activity or interest or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual unless the larger public interest justifies the disclosure. The necessary ingredients for attracting the exemption under this clause are that (i) the information sought is a personal information and (ii) the information has no relationship to any public activity or interest. We have, therefore, to determine whether the information sought herein is personal information and whether it has any linkage with public activity or interest. If the answer to these questions is in the affirmative, the Respondent shall not be entitled to claim exemption in regard to the disclosure of information sought by the Complainant.

4. Though the information comprised in clauses (a) to (e) para 2 hereinabove can be characterized as personal information, it is not of such a nature as can be described as having no relationship with any public activity or interest. The educational qualifications of teachers selected and appointed by the educational institutions (public authorities), the manner of their selection/appointment and other related matters brought out in the request for information are surely matters in which the public would be vitally interested. It, therefore, cannot be held that the information demanded is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) RTI Act, 2005. The information comprised in clause (f) above cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be said to be information of personal nature. It only seeks to know the details of the departments existing in the college and the strength of students studying in those departments at a certain point of time. The claim of the Respondent seeking exemption under Section 8(1)(j) is, therefore, rejected.
5. Another objection taken by the Respondent to the disclosure of information, in the instant cases, is that the demand of the Complainant relates to

a vast volume of data which would require the administration in the college to spend an inordinate period of time in its compilation and preparation. This plea appears to be based on Section 7 (9) RTI Act, 2005, which reads as under :-
7(9) “An information shall ordinarily be provided in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question. ”
6. We have carefully gone through the demand of information as comprised in clauses (a) to (f) of para 2 hereinabove. We are not at all convinced that the compilation and supply of information demanded by the Complainant is likely to disproportionately divert the resources of the Respondent. This plea is, therefore, rejected.
7. In view of the foregoing, it is directed that the information demanded in all these cases be supplied to the Complainant within 15 days of the receipt of this order by the Respondent. To come up for confirmation of compliance on 03.03.2008.

Present:
Sh. Ashwani Kumar, husband of the Complainant.
Sh. M.S.Sachdeva, Advocate on behalf of the Respondent.

The following three cases namely CC-2009/20007, CC-1985/2007 and CC-1640/2007 are similar to the instant case. All these cases are, therefore, clubbed together.

2. The origin of the demand for information is a decision of the Respondent (management of Doaba College, Jalandhar) to terminate the services of Ms. Shelly Goomber, lecturer in Bio-technology during the period of her probation. In four applications under RTI, the Complainant Ms. Shelly Goomber and her relatives (father in-law Sh. Gulzari Lal and mother in-law Smt. Sushma Goomber) have demanded information regarding the reasons for termination of services of the Complainant Ms. Shelly Goomber. Also demanded is a large volume of information regarding the qualifications and experience of other staff, and the recruitment policy etc. followed by the college. The four complaints emanate from the applications made to the PIO under RTI Act, 2005.

3. Respondent states that he has supplied item wise information on the various matters included in the original demand for information by the Complainant. In respect of the following matters, Respondent claims exemption under Section 8(1)(j) RTI Act, 2005 :-
In CC-1985/2007
“Copies of complete file of Dr. Monica Mahajan starting from her application for the post advertised by the college for filling the regular/permanent vacancy of lecturer in biotechnology in year 2005 till date (inclusive of all the nothings, all communications submitted by Dr. Monica to college, communications undertaken by college for approval of her post from the University and all other communications which have taken place between college and other authorities, copy of all certificates of her qualification, copy of her Doctorate Certificate) be provided.
Copy of complete file of REsearach Project recommended by Principal to University Grants Commission for carrying on research on Biotech subject “use of biotechnology Tools for development of disease resistant plants in potato” by Dr. Monica Mahajan who is MSc in Botany and has dones here doctorate of Philosophy in Botany (Minor subject Plant Pathology) from Department of Botany College of Basic Science and Humanities PAU Ludhiana.”

In CC-1640/2007

“Name and educational detail of all the teachers/lecturers appointed the college since session 2004-05. A copy of all the appointments letters issued to the teachers appointed be given.
The detail of all the teachers appointed on regular/permanent basis in Department of Biotechnology be given clarifying the teachers appointed on the basis of UGC/NET qualifications and appointed on the basis of PHD/Mphil.
A copy of UGC/Net qualification certificate for those appointed on the basis of Net qualification and copy of Phd subject thesis for those appointed on the basis of Phd be given.
Detail of departments that existed in college at the time of joining of Sh. R.P.Bhardwaj as principal alongwith strength of students in each department at that time. Number of students presently studying in such departments be given.”

4. Respondent states that the vast volume of data demanded in these items listed above would require the administration in the college to spend an inordinate period of time to compile and prepare the information. He pleads also that this is third party information and also personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest. Respondent seeks exemption from disclosure of these items of information under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005.

5. Respondent submits before us a copy of information already supplied to the Complainant (23 pages).

6. Complainant, on the other hand, insists that the information demanded by her/him is relevant and cannot be exempted under Section 8(1)(j).

7. Arguments of both sides were heard. Both sides are free to give any written submission in support of their contentions within a period of 15 days. Copies of such written arguments would be exchanged between two parties also.

8. Judgment in all these cases is reserved. Copies of the order be sent to both the parties.

Present:
None is present on behalf of the Complainant or the Respondent.

The information demanded relates to the performance of Doaba College, Jalandhar, during the period Sh. R.P.Bhardwaj has served as Principal of the College, and certain matters of administration during the tenure of Sh. Bhardwaj.

2. The items on which information is demanded are specific. Complainant is not present. This being the first date of hearing, we give another opportunity to both the parties to appear and present their case.

3. To come up on 21.04.2008. Copies of the order be sent to both the parties.

Present:
(i) None is present on behalf of the Complainant
(ii) Sh. S.K.Sharma, Accountant on behalf of the Respondent

ORDER

Heard

2. Respondent states that the sought for information has been provided to the Complainant by hand on 26.12.2009. He has submitted attested copy of receipt of information by Sh. Raghbir Singh. No further action is required.